A True Cowgirl: Alexis Templin’s ’27 Journey of Grit, Faith, and Excellence

At Hardin-Simmons University, being a student-athlete means more than just excelling in sports—it’s about leadership, faith, and perseverance. Few embody this better than Alexis Templin, ’27, a sophomore nursing student from San Angelo, Texas.

A forward on the championship-winning women’s soccer team, Alexis balances making key plays, nursing school, and her involvement with the iconic Six White Horses program. But beyond the accolades, her journey is one of faith, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to the Cowgirl legacy.

Alexis gives high fives ahead of a soccer game. Lexi Templin was named the ASC Offensive Player of the Year after leading the conference in goals with 16 and seven game-winning goals, including the goal in the 1-0 ASC championship win over UMHB where she was named all-ASC tournament.

“I have been playing soccer since I was three,” shared Alexis. “I played club soccer growing up, I started attending HSU soccer camps at six years old, and I was a four-year varsity letterman and captain at San Angelo Central.”

Alexis joked that she had been told by many friends and coaches that she had “manifested” coming to HSU but ultimately shared that it was a testament to how God had worked in her life through the sport she loves.

“I have been a Cowgirl all my life, so why not attend a school whose soccer field is right by the horse barn,” said Alexis.

Mornings start before sunrise for Alexis with a 5:30 a.m. practice, followed by grueling classes, weight training, studying, and even time spent as a part of HSU’s legendary Six White Horses program.

“It’s a lot,” she admits. “But finding balance, using every free moment wisely, and having a strong support system makes it possible.”

But soccer, nursing school, and horses are just a piece of Alexis’ story. Alexis balances her packed schedule, navigating obstacles that could have quickly sidelined her.

“I have had moderate to severe hearing loss since my freshman year of high school and have worn hearing aids ever since. I was also diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis my senior year,” shared Alexis. “In the beginning, my autoimmune diseases really took a toll on my performance and my confidence, but as I grew to control and embrace it, I am proof that people with disabilities can prosper.”

Alexis shows off her ASC Championship ring. The Cowgirls claimed its second straight American Southwest Conference title in 2024 and the 26th ASC women’s soccer championship overall.

For Alexis, success isn’t just about trophies and accolades, though she’s earned plenty. She was recently named captain of the women’s soccer team and scored the only goal in the championship game last season against rival University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It’s about the deep friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the faith that continues to guide her.

“Culture is the one word I would use to describe HSU and no other university. The history and traditions that are intertwined in all aspects of HSU are intricate and deeply important to who we are as cowgirls,” shared Alexis. “Especially on the soccer side, we pride ourselves on our all-caps TEAM culture. Our pregame traditions have been around for decades, and we never skip them. Every chant shouted, every prayer prayed, and every word written in Sharpie on us are key things that shape us into the culture of Christ-Centered Champions that we uphold as soccer players.”

Alexis hopes to continue growing as a soccer player, building on the traditions laid before her, and developing as a nurse.

“I hope to work with kids in pediatrics or maybe labor and delivery,” Alexis said. “I will never be able to fully step away from the sport; I love it too much.”

Alexis credits athletics with giving her lifelong friends, her future bridesmaids, and memories that many people do not get to experience. She credits academics with preparing her for her next steps in life in the field of nursing.

“Both have taught me to care for people in a deeper way, how to care for others, especially how to work through the lens of God and glorify him in all my works,” Alexis said.

On this National Student-Athlete Day, we celebrate Alexis—not just for her talent on the soccer field but for the resilience, example, leadership, and heart that make her a true Cowgirl.